Commodity Manager, Metals, Mechatronics
Date: Jul 9, 2026
Location: Rochester Hills, MI, US, 48309
Company: Gates Corporation
Are you inspired by challenging the status quo? Do you thrive in collaborative environments that drive results? If so, Gates could be for you.
Gates is a leading manufacturer of application-specific fluid power and power transmission solutions. We push the boundaries of material science to engineer solutions that continually exceed customer expectations.
Let's simplify it, think belts and hoses. Found in motorcycles, conveyor belts, cars, tractors, blenders, vacuum cleaners, bicycles, & 3D printers just to name a few. Because why not do it all?
Position Summary
The Commodity Manager – Mechatronics is responsible for developing and executing global commodity strategies for electronic and control system components supporting advanced mechatronic products, including but not limited to data center systems, electrified mobility platforms and cooling products.
The role focuses on delivering structural cost reduction and supply continuity across electronics‑intensive systems by influencing sourcing strategy, supplier engagement, and manufacturability early in the product lifecycle.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Commodity & Supplier Strategy
- Develop and execute global commodity strategies for electronics and controls, including PCBs/PCBAs, HMIs, Wire Harnesses, Connectors / Bus Bars and production-intent prototypes supplied to customers.
- Lead supplier segmentation, preferred supplier selection, and dual‑sourcing strategies to reduce structural cost and supply risk
- Assess supplier technology roadmaps, capacity constraints, and long‑term viability
Cost Management & Value Creation
- Drive structural cost reduction through should‑cost modeling, sourcing strategy, and design‑for‑supply insights
- Identify cost drivers related to electronics architecture, component selection, yield, and manufacturability
- Support make‑vs‑buy decisions for electronic assemblies and sub‑systems
Supply Risk & Resilience
- Identify and mitigate risks related to obsolescence, long lead times, geopolitical exposure, and supplier concentration
- Proactively manage component lifecycle risks, including end‑of‑life and allocation scenarios
- Partner with Supplier Development to improve supplier resilience, responsiveness, and overall performance
Cross‑Functional Collaboration
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- Partner with Engineering to influence component and system choices that improve cost, availability, manufacturability, and scalability
- Collaborate with Engineering and Operations to ensure solutions are designed for manufacturability, enabling efficient and repeatable production
- Work closely with Quality and Operations to ensure suppliers meet technical, quality, and delivery requirements
- Support new product introductions by aligning sourcing strategies with program timing and risk profiles
Requirements and Preferred Skills
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Business, or a related field
- 7+ years of experience in commodity management or sourcing for electronics‑based products
- Preference will be given to candidates with experience in electronics and brushless motor components. Candidates with no sourcing experience but significant project management and engineering experience for electronic-intensive assemblies will be given full consideration.
- Demonstrated experience managing electronic components or assemblies
- Strong understanding of cost drivers and global electronics supply chains
- Role will have significant interaction with Asia-based personnel.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience supporting mechatronic systems such as motors, pumps, or power conversion platforms
- Familiarity with PCB fabrication, PCBA, and electronics manufacturing processes
- Experience working with global electronics suppliers across Asia, Europe, and North America
Key Competencies
- Strategic thinking paired with strong execution discipline
- Ability to influence cross‑functional stakeholders without direct authority
- Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills
- Clear communication with both technical and non‑technical audiences
Pay & Benefits
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- Full-Time
- Medical, Dental, Vision insurance and other voluntary benefit options: benefits begin on the first day of the month immediately following your date of hire
- Eligible for 3 weeks of paid vacation + 11 holidays (9 scheduled & 2 floating) + 8 sick days. All vacation days are accrued
- 401(k): 3% company contribution and additional 3% company match
- Tuition Reimbursement
Why Gates?
Founded in 1911 in Denver, Colorado, Gates is publicly traded on the NYSE. While we might operate in a vast amount of time zones we operate as 'One Gates' and have a common goal of pushing the boundaries of materials science. We invest in our people, bringing real-world experience that enables us to solve our customers' diverse challenges of today and anticipate those of tomorrow.
Work Environment
Gates is an Equal Opportunity and is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job-related reasons regardless of race, sex, color, religion, age, disability, pregnancy, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, genetic information, marital status, or any other consideration defined by law.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; use hands and fingers to work with objects, tools, or controls; and use office equipment including computers, telephones, and/or copiers/scanners. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.
For individuals assigned and/or hired to work in Colorado, Gates is required by law to include a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. This compensation range is specific to the State of Colorado and takes into account various factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to the candidate's relevant experience, qualifications, skills, competencies, and proficiency for the role.
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Nearest Major Market: Detroit